Mother and Son

When Marie Dullaghan's son Aidan was diagnosed with Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, she was determined to find a way to help him. With his help, she reconstructed some of the worst and most bizarre moments of their journey and created a series of re-imagined narratives that gave viewers a rare and authentic insight into their journey. The resulting book, Mother and Son, is a triumph of both art and poetry, and a testament to healing, empathy, and hope.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2022
Publisher: Cinnamon Press

When Marie Dullaghan and her son Aidan faced the challenging diagnosis of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy, a condition accompanied by episodic paranoid schizophrenia, including hallucinations and delusions, their family's journey was filled with resilience and determination. Despite the daunting challenges that lay ahead, Marie and Aidan refused to let their condition define them.

Marie's unwavering support and willingness to negotiate Aidan's strange behavior were extraordinary. She embraced the complexities of his condition and worked tirelessly to provide him with the best possible care. In the face of the potential threat of suicidal ideation, Marie developed resilience and learned to live with the fear that it might always be a knock on the door.

Amidst the challenges, Aidan managed to excel in his studies, achieving A levels and a BA in Fine Art. His mother, Marie, also pursued her passion for photography, completing her degree while supporting her son's artistic journey. With a degree show to prepare for, Marie embarked on a remarkable artistic adventure with Aidan's help. Together, they reconstructed some of the worst and most bizarre moments from Aidan's life, using art as a means of healing and reconciliation.

The conversations and healing that emerged from this artistic journey were remarkable. The images that Marie created, often more art than biography, became a sequence of re-imagined narratives that went beyond historical accuracy. They offered a rare and authentic insight into the journey of mother and son, capturing the emotional range of despair, terror, and bewilderment.

Marie revisited her images during the lockdown in Malaysia, this time through the medium of poetry. The resulting book, Mother and Son, opens a deep and poignant conversation around mental health. It traverses the emotional spectrum, from despair to terror and bewilderment, but ultimately becomes a testament to healing, empathy, and hope.

Mother and Son is a triumph of both art and poetry, showcasing the incredible resilience and creativity of the human spirit. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always the possibility of growth, healing, and transformation. Through their shared journey, Marie and Aidan have shown that love, understanding, and support can help individuals overcome the most challenging circumstances and thrive.

Their story inspires others to embrace the complexities of mental health and to seek support and understanding. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is hope for a brighter future.

Dimension: 216 x 280 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788649377